Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe has launched the Heroes and Defence Forces Road Safety Education and Enforcement Campaign.
The event, which was held along the Harare-Masvingo Road on Thursday, was attended by Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, the Director of Procurement in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Colonel (Rtd) Onward Tokoda, who was also representing Minister Kazembe Kazembe, Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe vice board chairperson Ms Lizwe Bhunu, legislators and traditional leaders among others.
In her opening remarks Ms Bhunu said, “As we stand on the cusp of the Heroes holiday, a time for celebration, reflection, and for many, travel, it is imperative that we also take this opportunity to emphasise the importance of safety on our roads.
“During this period, we anticipate increased traffic volume, and with it, a greater risk of road crashes.
“The safety of our citizens, including those who will be travelling to visit family and friends, is our utmost priority.
“Today, we have come together not just to celebrate heroes, but to recognise the everyday acts of bravery, kindness, and resilience that often go unnoticed. Heroes come in many forms – first responders, healthcare workers, teachers, and even everyday citizens who step up to promote road safety.
She said it was very worrying and deeply shocking to have witnessed the recent spate of crashes involving public transport in the country.
“Speeding, drinking and driving, fatigue, unsafe overtaking, ignoring of traffic signals and other traffic signs, general recklessness, discourtesy, negligence, and aggressive driver behaviour, pedestrian carelessness and unsafe crossing of roads, drinking and walking, tyre bursts, poor vehicle maintenance, brake failure, poor lighting and unsafe following distances all these are some of which are the main causes of road traffic crashes in our country,” she said.
“This situation is totally unacceptable, and it cannot be allowed to continue unchallenged. We know that road crashes can be devastating, leaving behind a trail of pain and sorrow. “Therefore, we are launching this Easter safety campaign to remind all road users of the importance of responsible driving. Improving road safety is not solely the responsibility of the Government.
“It’s a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of every road user, from motorists to pedestrians and cyclists. We encourage all of you to take a proactive role in making our roads safer. This means observing traffic rules, exercising patience and caution while driving, and being vigilant on the roads. It is our sincere wish that the presence of our campaign teams on the nation’s roads will save lives.”
Online Reporter